Meat Soup with Dumplings
Meat soup with dumplings is a timeless comfort dish found in many European and Eastern European kitchens. Made with a rich, slow-simmered meat broth, tender vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings, this soup is filling, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and brings back memories of family dinners and cozy afternoons.
Whether served as a starter or a main dish, this hearty soup is simple to prepare and made with everyday ingredients, yet it delivers incredible flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
-
Rich, homemade meat broth
-
Soft, pillowy dumplings
-
Comforting and filling
-
Perfect for cold days or family meals
-
Great for leftovers
This soup is both rustic and elegant, making it suitable for everyday cooking or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Meat Soup
-
1½ pounds beef or mixed meat (beef shank, chuck, or beef with bone)
-
10 cups water
-
2 carrots, sliced
-
2 celery stalks, sliced
-
1 medium onion, halved
-
2 cloves garlic
-
1 bay leaf
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
Salt, to taste
-
Fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Dumplings
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
1 large egg
-
½ cup milk or water
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
1 tablespoon butter or oil
Ingredient Notes
Meat:
Bone-in cuts give the richest flavor. Beef is traditional, but chicken or pork can also be used.
Dumplings:
These simple drop dumplings cook directly in the broth, soaking up flavor while staying tender.
How to Make Meat Soup with Dumplings
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Place the meat in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a gentle boil, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1½ to 2 hours, until the meat is tender and the broth is flavorful.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, pepper, and salt. Simmer for another 20–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough
In a bowl, mix flour, egg, milk, salt, and butter until a soft, thick batter forms. The dough should be spoonable but not runny.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the soup. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes without lifting the lid. Dumplings will puff up and float when done.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Dumplings
-
Do not overmix the batter
-
Keep soup at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil
-
Always cook dumplings covered
-
Test one dumpling before serving
Variations
-
Chicken Soup with Dumplings: Use whole chicken instead of beef
-
Herb Dumplings: Add parsley or dill to the batter
-
Vegetable-Forward: Add parsnips or potatoes
-
Spätzle-Style Dumplings: Use looser batter and press through a colander
Serving Suggestions
Serve meat soup with dumplings with crusty bread or rolls. It also pairs well with a light salad or pickled vegetables for balance.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Dumplings may absorb broth, so add a little water or stock when reheating.
Final Thoughts
Meat soup with dumplings is a comforting classic that brings warmth, nourishment, and tradition to the table. With its rich broth, tender meat, and fluffy dumplings, it’s a recipe that never goes out of style and always feels like home.